AIM HOSPICE - Rockport, Texas

Hospice
     affirms life, but never denies death.
     recognizes dying as a normal process of life.
     honors wishes.
     offers choices.
     brings commitment and compassion.
     strengthens communities and families.
     is about faith, hope and caring.

Hospice, derived from the word “hospes”, meaning rest stops for travelers in the middle ages, is a modern concept designed to help the terminally ill live out the last few months of life as actively and as comfortably as possible. Dying is a natural part of living; yet it is a very deep mystery to most. Each death is special and different and the way a person dies is very important. When facing the end of life, no one should have to feel alone or be in pain. People who are dying should not be afraid that their caregivers will ignore their wishes or those of their families.

AIM Hospice is a non-profit agency which provides palliative care to the terminally ill in Aransas, San Patricio and part of Nueces Counties. We have been providing hospice care since 1987. Our specially-trained team of nurses, aides, counselors, volunteers, chaplain and therapists work with our Medical Director and the patient’s personal physician, focusing on controlling the symptoms and pain associated with the disease so that the dying person can be as comfortable as possible and remain at home with their family. Also included in our service are all of the medications and supplies needed to manage the symptoms of the terminal diagnosis and the durable medical equipment needed for the comfort and safety of the patient. This equipment includes oxygen, hospital beds, bedside commodes, wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats, etc. Here are some of the services provided by AIM Hospice.

The sole mission of AIM Hospice is to provide individualized care for the terminally ill and their families, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religious affiliation or the ability to pay. To qualify for Hospice, a physician must certify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less. All patients must have a competent 24-hour-a-day caregiver unless they qualify for our home-alone program.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is:

To provide a range of palliative health care services which responds to the needs of the people of the region;
To promote comfort and freedom from pain;
To work with the dying patient and family as a single unit in providing humane care;
To respect the autonomy of the patient and family to make individual choices affecting present and future health needs;
To identify those physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, domestic or social problems which directly or indirectly affect the family unit;
To prepare the family unit and assist them physically, mentally and spiritually to recognize death as a normal part of life; and
To provide bereavement follow-up care to help alleviate emotional suffering for one year after death.

QUALITY GUIDELINES

Dedicate ourselves to excellence in patient care.

Continually improve the quality of hospice care by continuous evaluation of services provided.

Educate patients and families of their medical rights and their right to participate in planning their care.

Educate health care providers, Board members, staff and the community to the benefits of hospice care for the terminally ill.

Continue to maintain and develop professional relationships with physicians, hospitals and nursing facilities within the communities so they can best serve the needs of their terminally ill patients.

Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.

For more information about hospice services or about
becoming a hospice volunteer, please contact AIM HOSPICE at:

703 East Concho Street
P.O. Box 2300
Rockport, TX 78381-2300

Phone: 361-729-0507
Toll Free: 800-854-2674
Email: info@aimhospice.org